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Posts Tagged ‘Amino Acids’

Reading between the lines of many health supplement labels is this caveat:

WARNING: This label may be misleading the public. Supplement facts represented on this label may be inaccurate or other valuable information withheld in order for this product to attract more selling value. Labels in the health supplement industry are often misleading. The FDA has limited oversight on health supplements. High profits in this lucrative industry has attracted all kinds of manufacturers, many using inferior raw materials, negligent production practices, inaccurate labeling and false claims to sell their products. The industry is so large and expanding that all kinds of manufacturers can make a niche for themselves in this highly profitable sector.How can you make a wise choice for a quality health supplement product? First, let’s understand what a health supplement is.

What is a Health Supplement?

Health supplements are dietary supplements defined by Congress in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, 1994 as being, “a product (other than tobacco) taken by mouth that contains a dietary ingredient intended to supplement the diet. The dietary ingredients in these products may include: vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, glandulars, and metabolites.” These supplements can be in various forms such as capsules, tablets, soft-gels, gel-caps, powders, liquids, or even bars. They can be used for many different purposes such as lowering cholesterol, increasing energy, supporting immune health, weight loss, weight/muscle gain, for overall well-being, or other health-benefiting reasons. These products are sold at health food stores, grocery stores, drug stores, national discount chains, mail-order and Internet.

The Choice

Choosing from a myriad of health supplements can be a daunting task for a consumer. For any particular health concern, most health supplements all promise the same benefit, all have the same, if not similar ingredients. So how do you choose? Some of them even make tall, incredible health claims and only a few of them carry any precautionary warnings. Here are a few guidelines to go by when choosing a health supplement. The Credibility of the Manufacturer: Choose a manufacturer that has credibility. A GMP-certified company is a good start. GMP certified company would entail that strict manufacturing systems are in place at every stage of production. Ensure Credibility: Search the web for the company’s history and reputation. Does the website contain their contact information? Can you talk to them over the phone or through live assistance on their website for any queries you may have? Quality: In order to be effective, a health supplement must be of the highest possible quality. Quality varies widely because there are no quality standards in the health supplement industry. Factors to quality are: Physician Formulated Products: Look for products that have been physician formulated by a well-known doctor, not just accredited by a doctor. Research and Development. Check whether the company has a research and development team. This means they have conducted various tests and trials on the product to ensure safety and effectiveness of ingredients, including whether the end product is of the highest purity and potency value. Labels: The FDA requires that certain information appear on the dietary supplement label. Look for these: Name of product (including the word “supplement” or a statement that the product is a supplement) Net quantity of contents Name and place of business of manufacturer, packer, or distributor Directions for use In certain cases, a disclaimer: “This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.” A Supplement Facts panel that lists: Serving size, list of dietary ingredients, amount per serving size (by weight), percent of Daily Value (%DV), if established If the dietary ingredient is a botanical, the scientific name of the plant or the common or usual name standardized in the reference Herbs of Commerce, 2nd Edition (2000 edition) and the name of the plant part used If the dietary ingredient is a proprietary blend (i.e., a blend exclusive to the manufacturer), the total weight of the blend and the components of the blend in order of predominance by weight Try not to make the price of the product a deciding factor. There are many cheaper products available in the market but in the long run your health will benefit from a product from a reliable manufacturer. Tall health claims: If the product makes incredulous claims that seem too good to be true, use your discretion. Avoid such products. Expiration date. Dietary supplements should carry an expiration date as they can lose potency over time. Educate yourself. Study the ingredients on the internet. Visit reliable sites that will give you accurate information on the ingredients in the product. Some of the ingredients may be safe to use, but have precautions for use not mentioned on the label. Precautions: If you are taking medications, be aware that herbal supplements may interact adversely with them. If you are under 18 or over 65 be aware that herbal supplements may not have been tested on your age group. Check with your doctor before taking any health supplements.

Remember, dietary supplements are not a substitute for food, but can complement your diet especially if you are not getting the required nutrition you need through your diet.

Preventing disease by promoting nutritional health has always been a strategy of practitioners of natural medicine. The reason for this strategy is the recognition that in order to effectively treat a disease, we must treat the cause of the disease. As we investigate the true cause of disease, any disease, we are led to see that there is one common thread running through all patterns of disease. This common thread, the cause of disease, is the nutritional health of the cell. By adopting a strategy to improve the nutritional health and function of the cell, disease can be arrested and health restored.

In other words, disease can be prevented at the cellular level. In fact it is arguably the most effective place to promote health. But what are the underlying causes of cellular dysfunction? Simply put cellular dysfunction most often is the result of nutritional deficiency, a heavy toxic load, or overwhelming stress on the cell. While all are important areas to address, nutritional deficiencies are the easiest to understand and the easiest to correct.

It is becoming clear that our food supply no longer contains the nutrition that it once did and we are no longer able to get the nutrition we need through a meal. Through excessive processing of our food, the food industry has given us food nearly devoid of nutrients. It is no surprise then that we have seen such a huge jump in supplement sales in the last decade. Up until recently nutritional researchers have been focusing on isolated nutrients and extracts to replace what is missing from typical diets. Isolation of nutrients fails however to address the many important cofactors and other essential components of whole and complete foods.

Today we are seeing leading edge research into the role of whole food concentrates and superfoods. In this discussion, superfoods are foods that contain extremely high and readily available amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids. That is to say, they are foods that are packed full of nutrition. They are not considered herbs in that they are not typically used as medicines to treat illnesses. Instead superfoods are regularly supplemented to the diet as a way to complete the nutrition picture of an individual. Do they need more antioxidants? What about amino acids or trace minerals? A superfood will provide whatever is needed and it will provide it on the cellular level.

Keep in mind however that not all superfoods are equal. In the unregulated supplement industry it is important to find a company and product that you can trust. Investigate the company, owners, research available, etc to find a quality product. Also consider using a qualified healthcare practitioner for support in making any decisions regarding your health. Medical supervision may be helpful while you adjust to proper cellular function and take on a nutritional strategy for your health.

Sagging skin under chin is caused by the same factors that cause the problem elsewhere on the body. Decreased production of collagen and elastin fibers is primarily to blame.

Collagen and elastin are structural proteins found throughout the body. In order to ensure that the body can produce them, you need to make sure you are getting enough amino acids in your diet.

Amino acids are found in protein-rich foods. If you are vegan, you should be eating beans, legumes and other protein-rich foods. If you’re not, you can also choose meat, poultry, eggs or fish.

Fatty fish is a particularly good choice, because of the omega-3 fatty acids it contains. Some anti-aging dermatologists recommend a daily serving of salmon to erase wrinkles. No studies can confirm this suggestion. But, one study did show a 10% improvement in the skin’s firmness after thirty days of taking an omega-3 fish oil supplement.

So, fish and fish oil might help firm up sagging skin under chin. We assume they work by increasing the person’s protein intake and by increasing their omega-3 intake.

Omega-3s are a component of the skin’s sebum, which helps to keep it moisturized. The moister the skin’s cells, the firmer the layers will feel. Omega-3 fish oil has anti-inflammatory activity, which can help too. Chronic inflammation is a health problem for many people. Inflammatory molecules damage and degrade collagen fibers. Since you already have a decreased production of collagen and elastin to deal with, you certainly don’t want to degrade the fibers you do have.

Luckily, there are compounds that have been shown to stimulate the body to produce more collagen and elastin. Research has shown that applying those compounds topically helps to improve the skin’s firmness.

For sagging skin under chin, I would recommend a cream containing Functional Keratin. It is a protein-based formula that stimulates the production of new cells and improves firmness by as much as 40%. It also has anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant activity. Antioxidants prevent pesky free radicals from damaging the skin’s collagen fibers.

There are other good ingredients to look for when you are comparing the anti-aging creams on the market. Coenzyme Q10 and wakame kelp extracts are examples. But if you really want to see a difference in sagging skin under chin, you need Functional Keratin.

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Proper nutrition is CRUCIAL to gaining muscle. This edition of muscle gaining tips reflects on some key aspects of proper nutrition.

1. You’ve probably heard this a thousand times before: Eat every three hours! This should equal out to five or six meals per day. In each meal include a source of lean protein, a source of carbohydrates, and a source of fat.

2. Do WHATEVER you can to get your protein every three hours. Because your body cannot store protein, it runs out approximately every three hours. What happens when your body runs out of a protein source? It starts BREAKING DOWN your hard-earned muscle for amino acids to use for metabolic processes. So by all means, get your protein!

3. Perhaps the most important and scientifically proven fact about nutrition and gaining muscle: You CANNOT gain muscle mass unless you eat MORE calories than you burn. There are a few exceptions to this (ex: new bodybuilders can make gains in a calorie deficit because their body is not used to bodybuilding), but as an intermediate or advanced bodybuilder you must eat more calories than you burn off! Makes sense, right?

4. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. This is the best way to ensure you get the vitamins your body needs for recovery. Taking a multi-vitamin supplement can help, but it is no substitute for the great benefits offered by good ‘ol fruits and veggies!

5. Drink LOTS of water. Drink no less than 10 cups per day. It is better to be drinking water consistently throughout the day than it is to drink, say, 5 cups when you wake up and 5 before you go to sleep. I always have a glass/cup or water on my desk when I’m at the computer or watching tv! Even if you don’t seem thirsty, this doesn’t mean your body doesn’t need water. So by all means drink lots of it!

6. The biggest meal of your day should be breakfast. After at least 8 hours of sleep, your body needs a big meal in the morning complete with at least 2 big glasses of water.

7. Try to aim for at least 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight per day. For example, if you weigh 180 pounds, eat at LEAST 180 grams of protein per day. Good lean protein sources include chicken breast, eggs, tuna fish, cottage cheese, low-fat milk, and others.

8. Approximately 50% of your calories should come from good carbohydrate sources. Such sources include oats, rice, beans, potatoes, whole wheat bread, low fat yogurt, etc.

9. Approximately 15-20% of your calories should come from fats. Fats play an important role in the body’s daily metabolic processes and important in the muscle building process. Essential fats, such as flax seed oil, fish oils (preferably from salmon), and extra virgin olive oil should be consumed once per day. Such fats are important in cell membrane structure. Muscle fibers are cells! Not to mention essential fats have antioxidant properties and encourage smooth skin!

10. Eat a solid balanced meal including carbohydrates and protein an hour to an hour and a half before your workout, OR a liquid protein shake meal 15 minutes before your workout. The digestive system can process liquids much faster, so the benefits of the liquid meal are best reaped 15 minutes after the liquid was consumed. A protein shake and a banana 15 minutes before a workout is always a good choice.

11. Directly after your workout, feed your body with a fast-absorbing protein source (protein shake) and a source of carbohydrates. Your next meal should be an hour and a half after your post-workout meal!

Apply these fundamentals to your nutrition and you’ll see results!

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To gain muscle mass is the dream of every hot blooded male. However, if you are going to achieve all that without relying on steroids or any artificial supplements, then you would really need lots of discipline and commitment to your training and diet. It is vital that you reevaluate your schedule, and set aside time to work out in the gym and make necessary changes to your diet. We will look at some hot tips that would help you to gain muscle mass and to shape up.

1. Sodium Intake

Sodium is an essential mineral you would need to take as it encourages the growth of muscles through increasing our muscle cell fluid volume. Though it is a good water retainer which is not good for us if we want to bulk up, it benefits you by enhancing carbohydrate storage and absorption of amino acids into our bodies. Since it can increase our cellular fluid, our joint leverage is improved and hence we gain more strength, suffer lesser muscle strains, and soft tissue injuries from weight training. On top of that, sodium improves the responsiveness of our muscles to insulin.

2. Fish and Foods with Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Eating fish and foods with omega-3 fatty acids would help us to gain muscle mass indirectly. Go for fish with tons of omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel, lake trout, sardines, tuna and herring. Flaxseeds, walnuts, oregano, cauliflower, mustard seeds, cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, tofu, spinach, kale, soybeans are all rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These foods make our muscles more sensitive to insulin which aids fueling our glycogen storage and entry of amino acid into our muscles. All these is done while preserving our storage of glutamine, a key nutrient for protein metabolism and preventing muscle deterioration.

3. Free Weights Training

If you are serious about wanting to gain muscle mass, keeping the right diet is not enough. You need to work on some resistance training such as using free weights like dumbbells. They would work out your ancillary muscles and build compound mass on them. Dumbbells are exceptionally useful and versatile in muscle building because of the range of motions you can carry out when using them. This also means that you can work on more sets of muscles with the same piece of equipment, and the result is of course more muscle mass gain.

4. Experimenting with Different Exercise Regimes

No one is born with inert understanding of how their bodies respond to different exercises. What works for others may not work for you and vice versa. But if you have been training for a while, you would know what exercises work best for your muscles. Experiment different exercises and techniques with your dumbbells and free weights to see which helps you to gain muscle mass best.

There are a hundred and one ways to train up your muscles to gain muscle mass. But if you are keen and want to learn more, there are plenty of sites including my blog where you can pick up some great advice on muscle mass gain especially if you have tried but failed in other exercise regimes.

This article may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any ezine, newsletter, blog or website. The author’s name, bio and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.

Although the widely shared opinion is that no significant muscle gain can be achieved without weightlifting supplements, this is not always true. This is totally false particularly since the solution for good bodybuilding nutrition is in natural foods. Even the chemical reactions for hormone secretion can be triggered by diet. To cut a long story short: weightlifting supplements can be synthetic or natural. Some are safe, some are dangerous, some are useful and others totally inefficient; you have to be very carefully what you buy, how you administrate and how you stay healthy.

Many products have no FDA approval although they claim to be natural weightlifting supplements; it’s best to avoid them. Choosing on recommendation, this is one very safe way of getting something of real quality and tested results. A health care provider or a coach should know how to guide you for a good bodybuilding nutrition. You have to know how to combine weightlifting supplements that contain minerals and vitamins with others that rely on protein alone. Even herbal extracts are used to stimulate the hormone secretion and boost up muscle growth.

We should further mention amino acids as favorite weightlifting supplements. They are usually available in a large number of foods and can be included in every meal you have. Every type of amino acid plays a separate role in the maintenance and the growth of the muscle fibers. Meat and fish are the richest in amino acids, or you can choose to buy some very concentrated but expensive weightlifting supplements to increase the daily intake. Do not administrate supplements chaotically because you may cause a body over-stimulation.

We should also point out that weightlifting supplements are sometimes used for recovery purposes in order to produce muscle mass in a shorter period of time. The majority of such intense ingredients are of a synthetic origin and they should be used with care and caution. Check the items you buy for FDA approval or medical certification because you can thus be sure of the product quality. If the product is approved, at least you have a guarantee concerning the safety and the health risks. Always read the instructions carefully and do not administrate by the ear.